Amherstburg's Bike Trail Network Reaches Final Phase with New Skills Park
The Windsor-Essex Bike Community has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the final phase of the Libro Trails in Amherstburg. This transformative project introduces a new skills park, described by organizers as the most formative piece of the town's expanding bike trail network.
A Safe Environment for Riders of All Levels
Designed to cater to all ages and abilities, the proposed skills park aims to provide a controlled and secure setting where cyclists can hone their techniques before venturing onto the main trail system. James Braakman, a director with the volunteer organization, emphasized the park's importance, stating, "This phase of the project might be the coolest thing we do to date."
Braakman highlighted a critical gap in the region's infrastructure, noting, "There's really nowhere in our entire region for people to practice jumps, drops, and different techniques in a safe environment. It's really going to help introduce mountain biking to a lot of people."
Features and Funding for the Skills Park
The skills park will include progressive riding lines tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. It will incorporate various building elements such as:
- Wooden drops
- Berms
- Rollers
- Jumps
- Other features modeled after real trail terrain
Recently, Amherstburg council granted conditional approval for the Windsor-Essex Bike Community to begin fundraising efforts, targeting approximately $50,000 for the project. Once funding is secured, the group will collaborate with the Town of Amherstburg on the planning, design, and construction of the new facility.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Since 2023, the Windsor-Essex Bike Community has raised $200,000 and contributed over 5,000 volunteer hours to create and maintain more than eight kilometres of bike trails adjacent to the Libro Centre. Braakman expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential, calling it "a total game changer for our community in terms of the local mountain biking scene."
He further elaborated, "The combination of the trail network and the skills park is really unique and this might be an opportunity for Windsor-Essex to have something that no other place has. That should really put us on the map and draw people to our region."
Enhancing Youth Programs and Community Engagement
The skills park will also complement the group's existing youth program, which includes a free mountain bike clinic and group ride initiative sponsored by Essex Powerlines. This clinic, open to children aged 10 to 17, operates every other Wednesday from July through October.
Braakman explained that the new venue will provide a permanent home and a safer starting point for young riders. Additionally, it will expand the capacity to host cycling events and family-friendly activities, further enriching the community's recreational offerings.
Funding for the park will be sourced through a grassroots model, relying on community donations, sponsorships, grants, and events. This approach mirrors the successful strategy used to develop earlier phases of the trail network, ensuring continued community involvement and support.
